Crime & Safety

No Foul Play Found in Bull-Riding Accident

The sheriff's office investigation concluded that the bull-riding ring abided by all laws.

Hillsborough County Sheriff's  Office detectives found nothing improper in the way a local bull-riding ring conducts its competitions.

According to the sheriff's office, detectives conducted an investigation of the Remington Rough Stock's Tampa Bull Riding rodeo on U.S. 301 South near the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway, where 16-year-old Brooke Ann Coats was thrown from a bull Friday night during a bull-riding competition. She later died at Tampa General Hospital of injuries sustained when she was kicked by the bull. 

Detectives examined the administrative aspects of the rodeo related to state law and any applicable administrative code and determined that it appears the operator of the rodeo was conducting a proper event. All of the necessary paperwork was in order, the sheriff's office said.

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When it comes to rodeos, the state Department of Agriculture oversees the safety of the animals. Local code enforcement authorities make sure the property is zoned properly and the local tax collector collects the business tax. The state, however, does not require a license or permit to conduct a rodeo, noted the sheriff's office.

Coats and her parents, Keith and Susan, also signed a waiver under the Florida Equine Law (Florida Statute 773.01-773.05) which states "Under Florida law, an equine activity sponsor or equine professional is not liable for an injury to, or the death of, a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities."

The death investigation remains active.

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